Lansing area tanning salons begin to reopen despite Whitmer order to remain closed

LANSING – Some Greater Lansing tanning salons have started reopening despite Governor Gretchen Whitmer's order that those businesses remain closed.

J2 Tanning announced Sunday it would reopen five of its seven salons in the Lansing area. The salons are suggesting customers wear face coverings and have increased sanitation procedures, according to the company's website.

The owners of J2 tanning salons declined to comment but said they felt strongly their salons could reopen.

One customer asked on J2's Facebook page if it was legal for the company to open.

"Not completely, however we are taking all recommended actions and practicing social distancing and have temporarily suspended custom airbrush tanning," the salon replied on Facebook.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Monday lifted her stay-at-home order and began allowing some businesses to reopen. Her revised executive order allowed restaurants and bars to reopen on June 9 with capacity limits, and retail shops to open June 4.

Social distancing requirements are still in place for businesses allowed to reopen.

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Despite easing restrictions on those sectors, tanning salons, hair salons, barbershops, gyms and tattoo parlors must remain closed. Whitmer has not been specific about when those businesses will be allowed to reopen, citing concerns over the close contact between employees and customers.

Safe Salons Michigan has denounced her decision to keep salons closed, saying Michigan is the only state in the country where salons haven’t at least partially reopened.

“Today in Michigan, you can get your teeth cleaned, get your dog groomed, get a relaxing facial at the dermatologist and then join friends at a restaurant or bar for dinner and drinks…. all while you still can’t get a haircut in a sanitary environment,” said Mike Sarafa, CEO of the Alline Group, in a press release.

Other tanning salons in the area also decided to open June 1 after the governor ordered them closed in March.

“Our small family business has lost our three busiest months,” Pacific Tan posted on its website. “We appreciate your patience and your continued patronage more than you know!”

Pacific Tan said it has implemented social distancing procedures, increased sanitation measures and is requiring face masks.

Calls to Pacific Tan locations in Lansing and Okemos were not returned.

VIP Tanning East Lansing opened its doors June 1 with reduced hours.

“First and foremost, we want you to know that we are committed to reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and we are ready to provide a healthy and safe workplace for our employees, customers and guests,” the store posted on its website.

The salon installed barriers at checkouts, requires customers to wear face covers, asks customers who were recently sick to not enter the business, and began new cleaning procedures.

The salon did not respond to a request for comment.

Contact reporter Craig Lyons at 517-377-1047 or calyons@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @craigalyons.